Mother’s Day: Make It More than a Phone Call

These ideas for making Mother’s Day special are brought to you by Melissa & Doug , written by our Blog Ambassador Allison McDonald.

Mother’s Day (in one form or another) is observed in over 40 cultures. In some, it’s tied to International Women’s Day; in others, it relates to religious festivals. Here in the United States, many people think Mother’s Day is a made-up holiday full of cards and flowers and guilt. (How many of us have heard, “Don’t forget to call your mom today!” And did you know that Mother’s Day is the biggest holiday for long distance phone calls?)

No matter why we do it, the thing is I know the day will come when I won’t get adorable kid-made cards, oddly colored flowers picked out by my toddler or even gifts. At some point after my kids are off on their own, Mother’s Day will be a late-afternoon phone call from wherever they have gone off to, maybe even prompted by a call by their dad saying, “Call your mother!” Until then I am determined to soak the day up for all it’s worth.

In our family, we try to make it about doing things, not getting things. That’s the common thread in this Mother’s Day list, filled with ideas to make the day truly special. (Feel free to print and leave it lying around for your family to see!)

Do Together: build memories

Picnic in the Park – No cleanup, food you didn’t make and lots of room for kids to run.Paint-Your-Own Pottery – Make a keepsake you can use every day.Family Field Day – Flag football, T-ball in the yard, a game of croquet . . . get out and play!Plant a Tree – Year after year your garden will grow, filled with reminders of time together.DIY Spa Day – Perfect for tweens! Grab the nail polish, soak your feet and share some sparkling juice.

Do Alone – recharge

Read a Book UNINTERRUPTED – Head to the library, a park or (my favorite) the bath!Go for a Walk or Run – Go to the park as a family, then scoot off alone for fresh air and exercise.Hit the Salon – Whether a simple manicure or day full of services, get pampered!Take a Drive – Pop out the kids’ CD, crank up the radio and drive alone with no one kicking the seat.Shop Alone – Non-mothers may giggle, but shopping alone is a treat! (Even going to the grocery store alone helps me recharge!)

Allison McDonald is founder and editor of No Time For Flash Cards. She has been teaching children in various capacities since 1993, so she has done her share of crafts, songs and circle times! Her son’s birth brought her home, and her love of teaching and helping other parents sparked the idea for No Time for Flash Cards. Early-childhood education is her passion . . . her heart belongs to the little guys! Get to know Allie and see her creative kids’ crafts and educational activities on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.